My Connections to Play

I am now 38 years old. I remember when I played outside with my sisters and our Saturday night board games. Things are so different now and my own children are not exposed to the form of play that I was exposed to. When I think about play this quote by Mr. Rogers really sums up what play and learning is all about; "Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning…They have to play with what they know to be true in order to find out more, and then they can use what they learn in new forms of play.” ~ Fred Rogers (Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood).

I am also very fond of this quote as well;

“Play is the highest expression of human development in childhood, for it alone is the free expression of what is in a child’s soul.” Friedrich Froebel (founder of the concept of kindergarten)

Over the last 20 years the way that children play and learn has changed tremendously. Children are more interested in playstations,  xbox360,  face-book and anything computer related. When i was younger we used more our imagination through outside play and board games, drawing and family days and vacations. Parents were more involved in their children and gave them that family time together.  My outside time involved bike riding, hiking and many days at the park and in the mountains. It is terrible now to think a child can not play due to the fact that playing outside is more dangerous.

 

One thing I have learned as i got older is that no matter how old you are it is a positive thing to continue to play. It may look a little different to an older person but it serves the same purpose.

Relationship Reflection

I understand that everyone has a story. In my story relationships and partnerships are important because i know first hand that tomorrow is  not promised. Eight years ago I lost a child. during the time of grieving i had to chose to reflect on my life and what i wanted to make of it. Most people plan for tomorrow I just plan for today. I try not to stress over the things that I can not physically change on my own. I have become more accepting of others and I do not hold grudges. It makes no since to me to be mad over something. That is the time that my body is not happy. At this point in my life I want to be happy the entire time I am awake.

As an individual I advise others to choose healthy relationships. My life's experiences have thought me that negative relationships can cause more problems in my life that is unnecessary. The positive people in my life are my husband, children, my mother, sisters and the children and families in my classroom. Everyday I build a stronger bond with them. Having people in my life to talk to and people that i can relate to is very important to me. Strenght and support, Substance over style, positive communication is the key to a successful, healthy life.